Ryde Social Heritage Group research the social history of the citizens of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Documenting their lives, businesses and burial transcriptions.
RYDE SOCIAL HERITAGE GROUP
Based at Ryde Cemetery Heritage & Learning Centre. Preserving, documenting and promoting the social history of Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
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At the Town Hall Ryde 1922

Blind Boy's Band, Foochow

CHINESE BLIND BOY’S SCHOOL BAND

1 July 1922
The party of Chinese Boys who are to give selections at the Town Hall this (Saturday) evening at 7.30 are from Foochow Boy’s Blind School, and aroused great interest at the “Africa and the East” missionary exhibition held in London recently.  They play English tunes and sing and speak in English, and will show  something of the work in which they have been trained.  The story of the school’s inception and progress is a fascinating one.  Mrs Wilkinson, the founder will accompany them and give an account of their activities.

Note:
The Australian Anglican nurse and Missionary, Amy Oxley Wilkinson (1868-1949), founded the C.M.S. (Church Missionary Society) Blind Boys School in Foochow.  Wilkinson played the harmonium.  In recognition of her life’s work, the Republic of China awarded Amy Wilkinson the very rare Order of the Precious Brilliant Golden Grain.  Musical groups from the school for the blind established in 1898, began touring various parts of China, and eventually the UK.

Sources: IW Observer, RSHG Archive,  Church Missionary Society & University of Bristol
Image: Postcard of Blind School band members
Article: Ann Barrett